Electrophoretic Codeposition of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3−delta and Carbon Nanotubes for Developing Composite Cathodes for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Volume 7 Issue 1, Pages 30 – 40

Maria J. Santillán, Alberto Caneiro, Francisco C. Lovey, Nancy Quaranta,
Aldo R. Boccaccini
Published Online: Jul 29 2009 3:55PM

DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-7402.2009.02413.x

ABSTRACT
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.8Fe_0.2O_3−δ
(LSCF) composite films have been fabricated by electrophoretic
codeposition on Ce_0.9Gd_0.1O_1.95
(CGO) substrates. CNTs are used as a sacrificial phase to produce
ordered porous LSCF cathodes for intermediate temperature solid oxide
fuel cells. The synthesis of LSCF powder by a modified sol–gel route is
presented. The possible mechanism of formation of CNT/LSCF composite
nanoparticles in suspension is discussed. Moreover the optimal
suspension composition and the conditions for achieving successful
electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of CNTs/LSCF composite nanoparticles
were evaluated. Experimental results showed that the CNTs were
homogeneously distributed and mixed with LSCF nanoparticles forming a
mesh-like structure, which resulted in a highly porous LSCF film when
the CNTs were burned out during heat treatment in air at 800°C for 2 h.
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy
(TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were employed to
characterize the microstructure of the precursors and of the composite
films.

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